We’re now in the final quarter of 2009, traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for businesses. This year is radically different to most of course, because we’re still trying to get out of a severe recession. Others might call it a slowdown, but I’m not particularly fond of that description - recessions tend to shake things up rather than slow them down.

A recession will expose weak business models, destroy bloated companies and create unemployment – this has been well documented. For stronger and healthier individuals and organizations, a recession will reveal hidden strengths, create new opportunities and release pent up energy. Companies can hire top class people on the cheap. Talented executives in large corporations will find their bosses’ much more willing to listen to ideas for developing new businesses and revenue streams.

Most importantly, at least from my narrow point of view, a recession means that distressed assets can be bought for absolute song.

Kind Regards

Colin Murphy

Director

Torcana.com

Tags: buyer attitudes, distressed property developers, recession, Torcana
Posted in General Opinion |

Germany, by far the biggest and most fiscally sensible EU member, has suffered its largest contraction since reunification, with exports down 19% and a year on year GDP decline of 6.7%.

Doesn’t really seem fair does it? If the last 15 years can be imagined as a huge EU party, then Germany was drinking club sodas for the duration but still ended up with the worst hangover afterwards.

Those statistics above were mostly responsible for a half cent fall in the euro against the dollar, good news for those who have been diversifying into dollar assets…

All comments welcome.

Regards

Colin Murphy

Director

www.torcana.com

Tags: EU, Germany, recession, Torcana
Posted in General Opinion |